Start coaching the Thunder, starting with Westbrook

Chapter 103 Westbrook: Coach, I want to play
The lineup that started in the second quarter was naturally focused on the cooperation between Antetokounmpo and Gobert's No. [-] and No. [-] positions. They used Spanish pick-and-rolls and pick-and-cuts to tear apart the opponent's defense, and then used the two to pass the ball accurately to create opportunities.

The three of Reggie, Lamb, and Robertson run, cut, and can go directly to the pass.

Tactics have been played out, but it seems to be out of luck.

Reggie's layup was blocked by Zhuang Shen who was defended in time and went out of bounds. Looking back, Robertson missed a three-pointer from the bottom corner.

The Pistons quickly pushed back and Jennings hit a layup and caused a foul by Reggie, scoring 2+1.

After 20 seconds, the Thunder did not find a suitable opportunity. Lamb missed a hasty shot and missed a rebound.

The Pistons played double guards at the beginning of the second quarter. Jennings came off the court 4 minutes early in the first quarter to rest, and now he will bring a substitute.

The third position is the "Golden Bomber" Singler who came to the Thunder later. He was drafted in 11, but he went overseas because of the 11 NBA lockout. He only started his rookie season last season. He started 70+ games, averaged 28 points in 8.8 minutes per game, and his efficiency is not bad.

However, with the arrival of the lunar eclipse in the new season, he returned to the bench, but there are still opportunities to play, and his current performance is not bad, at least there is no problem in becoming the team's main rotation.

The No. [-] position has become the eyebrowless Villanueva. These two seasons have been mediocre, but there are three-pointers that can open up space. Josh Harrison at the No. [-] position is also a space-based insider. Obviously, this lineup also focuses on three-pointers.

As a result, the effect of chasing points was good as soon as he played, but Li Sheng didn't call a timeout in a hurry, he still had to see the situation.

The three-point chasing is very effective, but unstable, and the opponent's defense is actually a problem, especially inside, but the Thunder also has no strong inside, so they can still match.

Although there was no timeout or substitution, Li Sheng still told Antetokounmpo to adjust from the sidelines.

Compared with the big guys in the starting lineup, there are more rookies in the rotation lineup. They listen to Li Sheng's words more, and their acceptance is relatively high.

Although neither of them has the means to attack the basket, Antetokounmpo can pull to the outside, and even break through with the ball like Durant.

Although the eyebrowless man is famous and has a fierce image, his current defense is really mediocre, especially not keeping up with Antetokounmpo's speed. He passed half a body in one change of direction, and then directly leaned on him to kill the basket. Villanueva couldn't stop Antetokounmpo with his body.

Harrison immediately came to make up the defense. Brother Antetokounmpo had quick eyes and hands, and the ball was released in an instant. Gobert over there understood and took off with a run-up.

BANG!

Yang Jian said excitedly: "A powerful dunk, and the Thunder's beautiful alley-oop cooperation! Coach Li's training of the team has achieved initial results, especially the rookies who played in his hands quickly."

Yoga also said with a smile: "The Thunder's players are too complicated to run. It's not as effective as such a small-scale cooperation. The defensive lineup of the Pistons actually has weaknesses, as long as they can be played against them."

In fact, it was Li Sheng who suddenly discovered that besides the rookies, the tactical quality of the Thunder players is really bad, or the habits they have developed are very bad.

Let them play tactics, if it is a little more complicated, they may stun themselves first.

Just like the ball Reggie was blocked before, in fact, he had a better chance of passing the ball to the bottom corner, but he just passed the ball unintentionally, so he had to play it himself.

The Pistons' lineup defense is not good, and the defense in the penalty area is actually very weak. This pain point can be seized, and their defense can be dismantled with a simple pick-and-roll.

Because these single defenses are not very good, and if they run away, they will give the Thunder a chance.

But looking back, Harrison made up for it, hit an anti-aircraft gun from outside the three-point line, and returned a three-pointer.

The Thunder attacked, Antetokounmpo and Gobert picked and rolled, facing Harrison's breakthrough to the three-second zone, he suddenly showed his footsteps, and after flying both Harrison and Villanueva, he turned around and hit the board.

"Beautiful, this is another top ten ball. The fake move directly sent the two of them flying. Brother Antetokounmpo is getting better and better. The Thunder has found a treasure!"

As a commentator and a fan who started watching football very early, Yoga obviously appreciates the offensive footwork inside. Even though Antetokounmpo is still a little rough, it is more likely that the opponent is easy to cooperate with, but this scene is rare, so he is also a little excited.

Yang Jiandao: "Li Sheng was also applauding on the sidelines, obviously very satisfied with his disciple's performance. But he started waving his hands to adjust again, it seems that he is dissatisfied with the team's defense."

Dissatisfaction is a matter of course. The Pistons played this lineup, and Cheeks is going to put all his eggs in one basket to fight with him.

And if it can't be restricted and it really makes the opponent go crazy, then it may replicate the situation in the third quarter of the previous Suns game.

Fortunately, in this lineup, there are Robertson and Antetokounmpo, who have a large defensive area and fast footsteps. If they are only chasing and defending three-pointers, Reggie and Lamb can also keep up. As long as they can cause interference, the Pistons' three-pointers are not very stable.

Especially the two anti-aircraft guns inside. They need to be completely open to play. If they are disturbed, they will not be allowed. However, when they shoot from the outside, the rebound is automatically given to the Thunder.

In this way, two defenses were made, and one was scored on the offensive end, and the difference between the two sides was even.

In the 7th minute of the second quarter, Li Sheng began to change into the starting lineup one after another, and Durant returned to the court.

Although he didn't see Li Sheng's "correct basketball" off the court just now, he was touched when he saw his teammates playing well.

Even if they didn't cooperate well with Reggie and Lamb, they played more like a whole. In fact, if there are some balls with stronger personal ability, it is an excellent opportunity.

Durant's basketball philosophy is of course that he thinks that giving himself a single-handed opportunity is a good opportunity, and his single-handed play is the most efficient way to attack, even in the game.

But seeing that there is an easy way to complete the attack, he may have some ideas in his heart.

Speaking of which, when he was training with Leonard in the Holy City before, he thought that the Spurs played team basketball like this, and heads-up should not be very good. Leonard's performance surprised him a bit.

So is the team able to bring out the individual's ability, or is it suppressing his ability?

Durant can't help thinking about this question all the time. He didn't ask Li Sheng, because Li Sheng has always emphasized the team, and this is already his answer.

However, he has already received an answer from Li Sheng, that is, if he wants to get honors, he should integrate himself into the team and play a better role in the team. If he only thinks about himself shining, then he doesn't need to worry about anything else.

This may be a very simple choice, just because Durant is used to it, so even if he has a deep desire in his heart, he can't make a choice for a while.

But at this time, Li Sheng sat next to Westbrook, didn't go to watch the game on the field, and asked him with a smile: "How is it? Are you recovering well recently?"

Westbrook frowned, and immediately said: "Coach, I..."

"Hey!" Li Sheng knew what he wanted to say, and immediately raised his hand to stop him, and then said with a smile: "I said, there is no rush now. Anyway, the team is in good condition now, and we can give Giannis and the others more opportunities to practice. When you fully recover from your injuries, I believe you can also join in."

(End of this chapter)